Flying an aircraft thousands of feet above the ground is not just a profession—it’s a passion, a lifestyle, and for many, a lifelong dream. With India’s booming aviation sector and increasing demand for skilled pilots, now is the perfect time to start your journey to become an airline pilot.
If you’ve just completed your 12th grade and are wondering, “How do I become an airline pilot in India?”—this blog is your complete, detailed, and step-by-step roadmap. Whether you want to fly Airbus A320s for IndiGo or dream of piloting long-haul international jets, everything you need to know starts here.
An airline pilot is a certified commercial pilot who operates passenger or cargo aircraft for scheduled airlines. They receive comprehensive training, hold advanced licenses, and must meet strict health and technical standards.
In commercial airlines, there are primarily two pilot positions:
First Officer (Co-Pilot)
Captain (Pilot-in-Command)
Becoming an airline pilot in India requires fulfilling specific academic, medical, and regulatory criteria set by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).
Academic Qualifications:
Candidates must have passed Class 12th with Physics and Mathematics from a recognized board. If you come from a non-science background, you can still become eligible by passing Physics and Mathematics through NIOS (National Institute of Open Schooling).
Age Criteria:
The minimum age to begin pilot training is 17 years. Although there is no official upper age limit, airlines generally prefer candidates under the age of 35 for commercial pilot recruitment.
Citizenship:
You must be an Indian citizen or hold an OCI (Overseas Citizen of India) card to be eligible for pilot training and airline jobs in India.
Medical Fitness:
To join a flying school, you need a valid DGCA Class 2 Medical Certificate, issued by an approved aviation medical examiner. Before applying for a Commercial Pilot License (CPL), a Class 1 Medical Certificate is mandatory to ensure you meet the physical and mental fitness standards required for professional flying.
Meeting these eligibility requirements is the first step toward starting your journey as an airline pilot in India.
Becoming an airline pilot in India is a dream career for many aviation enthusiasts. With the rapid growth of the Indian aviation sector and increasing demand for trained pilots, this profession offers exciting opportunities, high salaries, and international exposure. If you’re wondering how to become an airline pilot in India, here’s a complete step-by-step guide to help you start your journey.
Your first step is to complete your higher secondary education (10+2) with Physics and Mathematics as compulsory subjects. This is a mandatory requirement by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).
Before joining any pilot training in India, you need to undergo a DGCA Class 2 Medical examination.
Selecting the right flying school in India is a critical step. Look for an institute that is DGCA-approved and has a good track record. Consider the following factors:
Once you’ve selected a school, enroll in their CPL training program, which includes:
During your CPL training, you must clear the following DGCA pilot exams:
Clearing these exams is essential to receive your CPL.
After completing all ground and flight training and passing the DGCA exams, you can apply to the DGCA for your Commercial Pilot License in India.
Type Rating is a specialized training program that qualifies you to fly specific commercial aircraft like the Airbus A320 or Boeing 737.
Once you have your CPL, Class 1 Medical, and preferably a Type Rating, you can start applying for airline jobs in India.
License | Description | Minimum Flight Hours |
PPL (Private Pilot License) | For hobby flying or personal use | 40–50 hrs |
CPL (Commercial Pilot License) | For commercial airline jobs | 200 hrs |
ATPL (Airline Transport Pilot License) | For promotion to Captain | 1500 hrs + additional exams |
Type Rating is an additional qualification to fly specific aircraft like Airbus A320 or Boeing 737. Most airlines require a Type Rating before hiring.
Here are the top flying academies in India:
Always verify DGCA approval on dgca.gov.in
Item | Estimated Cost |
---|---|
CPL Training (200 hours) | ₹35 – ₹45 lakhs |
Type Rating | ₹12 – ₹25 lakhs |
Medical Tests (Class 2 & 1) | ₹20,000 – ₹50,000 |
Exams & Documentation | ₹1 – ₹2 lakhs |
Total | ₹50 – ₹70 lakhs (on average) |
Note: Some airlines offer cadet pilot programs which include CPL + Type Rating + Job Assurance, but costs may exceed ₹80 lakhs.
Role | Monthly Salary (INR) |
Trainee Pilot (Zero hour) | ₹25,000 – ₹50,000 (stipend) |
First Officer (0–1500 hrs) | ₹1.5 – ₹3 lakhs |
Senior First Officer | ₹3 – ₹5 lakhs |
Captain (2500+ hrs) | ₹6 – ₹10 lakhs |
Senior Captain | ₹10 – ₹15+ lakhs |
International airlines offer even higher pay packages and perks.
Becoming an airline pilot in India is a rewarding and exciting career choice. With the right education, training, and determination, you can build a high-paying and fulfilling career flying aircraft for top domestic and international airlines.
While the journey requires investment—both time and money—the long-term career growth, prestige, and adventure make it worth every step.
Ready to take off? Start with a trusted flying school like Top Crew Aviation and give wings to your dream!
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